Burglary victim teams up with police for Christmas campaign

Burglary victim Louisa Davies wants to make sure people take precautions against opportunist burglars

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A burglary victim whose home was ransacked as she slept upstairs has warned other homeowners to be on high alert this Christmas.

Louisa Davies, from Graig, Pontypridd, said she felt “sick to her stomach” when a burglar crept into her home and made off with hundreds of pounds worth of presents from under her tree.

The 25-year-old, who was spending her first Christmas at home with her new husband, said the thief simply opened her unlocked door and walked out with the gifts.

She has teamed with South Wales Police to make sure people take precautions against opportunist burglars – and don’t make the same mistakes she did.

She said: “Me and my husband left for work and locked up the house. It was only when I got home later that day that I realised the presents and some other belongings were missing.

“Then I realised we had been burgled. We couldn’t understand it as the doors and windows were locked all day while we were out, and there was no sign of any forced entry. And then it hit me – we must have been burgled while we were sleeping upstairs.”

Louisa said the break-in put the couple under immense financial and mental strain.

“I was heartbroken and it took me a long time to recover,” she added.

“I struggled to sleep at night when David was away for work and found myself checking the door repeatedly.

“It’s difficult to believe that somebody could do such a thing, but they are often desperate for money. It spoilt our Christmas.”

A 32-year-old man was arrested and sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty at Merthyr Crown Court a year ago.He also admitted two other burglaries which he committed that same December.

Some of Louisa’s stolen property was recovered by officers.

South Wales Police said the newlyweds left themselves wide open to being burgled.

Inspectors anticipate a “spike” in similar incidents before Christmas.

Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr’s most senior police officer, Chief Superintendent Kevin O’Neill, said: “We don’t want to alarm anyone. The reality is that over the whole year there are fewer burglaries these days than there ever have been since official crime recording began.

“But we do know that Christmas is a time when criminals are aware there are valuable presents to steal. They know how busy people are and how they may be more inclined to make mistakes.

“Nobody can totally insure themselves against becoming the victim but they can take very simple steps that will significantly reduce their chances.

“Louisa’s support is gratefully appreciated and I hope her story will help prevent any repeats this year.”

South Wales Police have advised homewoners to keep doors and windows locked, even when they are at home. They have also urged people to take keys out of locks, store presents securely and keep them out of view of all windows.